CDC issues new guidelines for essential workers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance for essential workers on Wednesday as it takes a small step toward reopening the country.

The guidance applies to essential workers, such as those in the health care and food supply industry, who have been within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of a person who has a confirmed or suspected case of the new coronavirus.

CDC Director Robert Redfield said the employee can return to work as long as they take their temperature before they go to work, wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing while they are at work.

Redfield said the employees should continue to stay home if they are sick.

He also said employers in those critical industries should take the temperatures of a worker before allowing them to come back to work.

Redfield announced the new guidance during the daily White House briefing on the US efforts to stop the spread of the virus.